One of the first things you need to learn in order to crochet is how to hold your crochet hook. You can definitely just pick up a hook and learn by trial and error but it is helpful to have a bit of a starting point. That is why I put together this guide for beginner crocheters to help you learn the best way for you to hold your crochet hook.
Some people worry that they are holding their hook the ‘wrong’ way. But luckily, there really is no wrong way to hold your crochet hook. The most important things about finding the best way for you to hold your hook are that it is easy to move your hands to make the stitches and that it does not hurt your hands or wrists if you are crocheting for a long period of time.
Ultimately, you will find a way that feels comfortable and natural to you and once you get started crocheting, you won’t even think about the way you are holding your hook anymore. Everything will become second nature to you.
So, let’s take a look at the 2 main ways of how to hold your crochet hook.
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Right-handed how to hold your crochet hook
Left-handed how to hold your crochet hook
1. Like a Knife
I mention this method first because it’s my favorite and the most natural to me.
Using your dominant hand, take the hook by the handle and hold it as if you were going to use it as a knife. In this method, your hand will be over the top of the hook. Make sure that the actual hook is facing to the side toward your non-dominant hand. This will allow you to use the hook to grab the yarn with minimal effort.
When using the knife method, the handle of the hook will be against the palm of your hand. Most crochet hooks have a flat spot that is meant for your fingers to hold onto and to give you some leverage. The flat spot also prevents the hook from spinning in your hand while you are using it. Try this method right now and use it to make a chain. Adjust your grip to see what feels most comfortable to you.
Benefits of Using the Knife Method to Hold Your Crochet Hook
Benefits of this method are that you can easily move the crochet hook upward and forward. I find this method easier because you hold the hook horizontally. This allows you to easily insert the hook into stitches without bending your wrist or moving your hands too much. Personally, I feel like I have a lot more control of where the hook goes when crocheting with this method. Although you may feel that way about Method 2, so let’s take a look at the Pencil Method now!
2. Like a Pencil
I think of this method as the fancy one… Haha! Those, like my grandma, who hold their hook like a pencil just make crocheting look so delicate and smooth.
Hold the hook in your dominant hand the way that you would hold onto a pencil. Your thumb and pointer finger should be gripping the handle near that flat spot or the designated grip on your hook. Your middle finger will help support the hook from below and the hook will be resting on top of your hand in the crook of your thumb.
I have seen people use the Pencil Method in 2 different ways. Some hold the hook more vertical like they are going to write on a piece of paper. And some hold it a bit more horizontal similar to the knife grip method. Try out this method both ways and just see what works for you!
Benefits of Using the Pencil Method to Hold Your Crochet Hook
When using the Pencil Method, you have the benefit of using your fingers to make small exact movements. Since you probably learned how to use a pencil years ago, this method is going to be like second-nature to those who don’t connect with the knife method as much.
Summary of Methods to Hold Your Crochet Hook
Once you’ve tested both methods of holding your crochet hook to figure out what feels best to you, check out this tutorial on how to make a slip knot and then go here to learn how to crochet a chain. I suggest crocheting chains until you feel comfortable with the movement of your hands and wrists. Just make a chain of 50 and then pull it out and repeat. Then, I want you to practice making chains of different tensions. Some tight, some looser, and keep that same tension consistent throughout the whole chain.
When you can master this, it’s time to make your very first pattern! I have put together a pattern for beginners using just chains and slip stitches. Commit to finishing it within the next few days and then you can move on to more advanced stitches and even more fun and cute patterns 🙂
Where to go next:
How to Hold Yarn for Crochet
How to Crochet a Slip Knot
How to Crochet a Chain
How to Crochet a Slip Stitch
Then make sure to start your first project using this pattern:
Soap Saver Pattern: This cute soap saver pattern is made up of only chains and slip stitches. It is the perfect way to practice the stitches you have learned so far and make something really cute, useful and even environmentally friendly. It is also a perfect accessory to add onto a gift! There are 2 sizes available in this pattern: travel and regular. You can choose to make one or both sizes to fit your various needs. Click here to access the free soap saver pattern.
